2009’s Progress at Tri-State and GCEA and the Challenges that lie ahead

Everyday it becomes increasingly clear that we must make significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid catastrophic human, economic and ecologic consequences. One of the best ways to address the climate crisis while safeguarding electricity rates and bolstering the economy is to address how efficiently the electricity we consume is used and also how it’s generated.

2009 has seen auspicious progress in this regard. Pressure from conservation groups like HCCA, ratepayers like Gunnison County residents, and the current financial and regulatory climate have influenced Tri-State Transmission and Generation and many of their member cooperatives like Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) to begin implementing energy efficiency measures and considering renewable generation over coal for future capacity building projects. Of note, in the past year, Tri-State has:

1. Announced the 30 MW Cimarron 1 photovoltaic power plant in New Mexico (operational by 2010).
2. Announced the development of the 51 MW Kit Carson wind farm in Eastern Colorado (operational by 2010).
3. Participated in launching the Together We Save campaign for energy efficiency.
4. Created rebates for energy efficient appliances and other incentives to encourage energy efficiency.
5. Developed pilot programs which they are kicking off at different cooperatives that are examining things like local renewable generation opportunities and smart grid technologies.

At the local cooperative level, progress has also been made. This year, GCEA has:

1. Reconvened their technology committee, a group of board members who works with GCEA staff to develop and implement energy efficiency and examine the potential for local renewable generation projects.
2. Launched in the Taylor Hydro feasibility study.
3. Launched an Energy Efficiency Rebate Program.
4. Created new programs to offer home energy audits to their members.
5. Designed and held outreach events like the Women's Weatherization Workshop.

While there have certainly been some positive developments, our efforts must remain vigilant. In contrast to the 81 MW of renewable capacity announced by Tri-State in the past year, they are still actively pursuing the development of an 895 MW coal plant. Additionally, the lobbying groups supported by Tri-State and its cooperatives like the Colorado Rural Electric Association and the National Renewable Electric Association are heavy organizing and lobbying presences that seek to prevent what could be negative legislative consequences to the status quo of coal-based electrification. Additionally, we hear through credible sources that many cooperative directors simply do not believe in human caused climate change or that coal has anything to do with some of the current ecological, health and resource challenges we face. Indeed, this is a challenging culture to change.

Contrary to investor-owned utilities like Xcel energy (the largest utility in the state), cooperative utilities like Tri-State (Colorado’s second-largest utility) are not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission

and therefore face less stringent renewable energy standards.

Change at our cooperative utilities lies in the ability of their membership to demand it. HCCA continues to work actively to organize a voice for this demand and produce tangible results.

HCCA’s Climate and Clean Energy Program now publishes a monthly Climate and Energy News Roundup. If you’re interested in receiving this monthly compilation of the most relevant climate and energy news, please email chris@hccaonline.org to sign up.